Nonaxial Glide Motions of the Spine

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The spine can move in six (6) nonaxial glide motions/directions.

Nonaxial glide motions of the spine depicted.
Top views: right lateral views.
Other views: anterior views.
Permission Dr. Joe Muscolino (www.learnmuscles.com).

• The nonaxial glide motions of the spine are:
  • Anterior glide
  • Posterior glide
  • Right lateral glide
  • Left lateral glide
  • Distraction (traction)
  • Compression

• The annular fibers of the annulus fibrosus are shown being pulled taut and limiting these motions.
• Ligaments of the spine would also be pulled taut and limit these motions.

Notes:

1. A nonaxial motion is defined as one in which each point on a bone moves exactly the same amount as each and every other point.
2. Nonaxial motions are also known as gliding motions, sliding motions, translational motions, and planar motions.